Carretera Austral

Journey through the heart of the Patagonian wilderness.

  • Miles: 747
  • Start: Villa O’Higgins
  • End: Puerto Montt
  • Time: 2 days to 1 week
  • Suitability: adventure or dual sport

Honestly, this route will have you stopping often to soak in the stunning sights.

Heads up: a big part of the route is unpaved, so brace yourself for a bone-shaking adventure you won’t forget. With road conditions that can change multiple times a day, this trip demands your full attention.

Feels like a Mad Max-style road trip!

The trip begins in Puerto Montt, nestled in the Chilean Lakes District, and wraps up in the charming town of Villa O’Higgins in southern Chile.

From rugged mountains to dense forests and dramatic fjords, this route offers everything an adventure enthusiast could want.

You could also take some time to enjoy a boat trip from Puerto Río Tranquilo to the San Rafael Glacier or soak in the stunning scenery of Pumalín Park.

The ideal time to travel this road is from November to April. Outside the main towns, good accommodation can be scarce, but bringing camping gear is a great option since there are plenty of free camping spots along the route.

Be sure to bring some food, as supplies are scarce along the empty stretches. Also, top off your tank whenever you spot a gas station, since they’re few and far between on this route.